dry run

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

ˈdry ˈrun, n. [countable]

1. a rehearsal;
   a practice or exercise:
   We staged a dry run to see if our plan would work.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

dry′ run′, 

1. a rehearsal or practice exercise.
2. Military practice in firing arms without using live ammunition.
• 1940–45, American.
dry′-run′, adj.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

dry run noun

1. practice in weapon firing, a drill, or a manoeuvre without using live ammunition
2. a trial or practice, esp in simulated conditions; rehearsal